Hanging in the BWCAW?

**wnnapddl** · 07-03-2008, 01:13

We will have a total of nine in our group...including the staff person from the BSA Charles Sommers Canoe base at Ely. We will start on Moose lake, and likely go to Agnes Lake. Route yet to be determined. I really enjoyed all the photos of hammocks in the BWCA....looks very encouraging! Looks like some good natural tubs with jets to soak in!

**Buckeyebuck** · 07-03-2008, 07:43

Originally Posted by wnnapddl

I really enjoyed all the photos of hammocks in the BWCA....looks very encouraging! Looks like some good natural tubs with jets to soak in!

The water was real low during our trip. Many of the falls features were thus exposed and allowed us to get in the "hot tub" or should I say "very cool" tub.

Anyhow, enjoy your trip. I have not had a better trip to the BWCA than the '07 one and I atribute this to hanging instead of laying on roots and rocks.

Peace,

Buck

**fin** · 07-03-2008, 14:46

You know, with all the BWCA enthusiasts here, we should get together a BWCA trip. Not this year, too many other things going on, but maybe 2009?

**wnnapddl** · 08-07-2008, 12:42

And I am about to find that out first hand,as we leave in two days. I hope I can find the ground OK for staking out the tarp. Looks like there could be a lot of solid rock to deal with!
still thinking about stock claytor tarp vs. the big rain sheet. Will likely go the "better safe than sorry" route and take the rainsheet......even though I may miss the northern lights under that big dark tarp...... Maybe I can get creative and tie up the corners for a view like the stock tarp.....

**Buckeyebuck** · 08-07-2008, 12:57

Originally Posted by wnnapddl

I hope I can find the ground OK for staking out the tarp. Looks like there could be a lot of solid rock to deal with!

On several occassions I had to tie/wrap my tarp lines around a large rock and then use other rocks to "prop" that in place. Never had a problem with my tarp guys coming loose.

Originally Posted by wnnapddl

still thinking about stock claytor tarp vs. the big rain sheet. Will likely go the "better safe than sorry" route and take the rainsheet......even though I may miss the northern lights under that big dark tarp...... Maybe I can get creative and tie up the corners for a view like the stock tarp.....

Never got wet with my stock HH tarp, but in all honesty, it was the first trip I took where there was no real rain to speak of. Any chance of the Northern Lights and I'd be leaving my tarp off! (but handy

) YMMV.

I am jealous. My mind has been in the BWCA for the past two months, even though my carcass is in N. Ky. Sigh . . .

Have a great trip and please take lots of pictures to share.

Peace,

b

**TDunc** · 08-07-2008, 13:07

Just another Idea I have had to use....

If it is dry.... leave it off.

If you expect weather, put on the tarp, loosely tie the two ends of the tarp together underneath you. wieght with rock. at least you will be dry...

Admittedly, not the best way to deal with it but it worked for me...

Hope this helps.. Wish I could go.

Also, you could tie low back to the support for the hammock and still have "some" angle to the tarp pitch.

**fin** · 08-07-2008, 13:20

Originally Posted by wnnapddl

And I am about to find that out first hand,as we leave in two days. I hope I can find the ground OK for staking out the tarp. Looks like there could be a lot of solid rock to deal with!
still thinking about stock claytor tarp vs. the big rain sheet. Will likely go the "better safe than sorry" route and take the rainsheet......even though I may miss the northern lights under that big dark tarp...... Maybe I can get creative and tie up the corners for a view like the stock tarp.....

Don't forget about using a log or driftwood to tie down your tarp, or use rocks as suggested by cincinnatibuck. You will not have trouble finding trees, although your view of the sky may be limited by the trees anyway. Hopefully, you'll find a spot in the inevitable clearings on the sites where you will have an unobstructed view.

Minimally set the tarp up by attaching the ends to the trees above your hammock supports. Stake out one side (especially nice to do if you have the inevitable side with close growing trees.) Flip the other side over on top of the staked out side and secure the ends. At least that way, you have 1/2 an unobstructed view of the sky, and if it rains, you just flip the one side over and quickly stake it down. Don't forget the tarp tensioners if you haven't already taken care of making or buying them. They will save your tarp from heavy wind, which could ruin your trip if your tarp rips on the first day. Have fun, and take lots of pics!

**mad_angler** · 08-10-2008, 20:05

Another forum is great for dedicated BWCA topics:
www.bwca.com

I have been into the BW 3 times. I used my hammock extensively the last 2 trips.

You should almost always be able to find trees.

The bug screen is not optional.

I would not consider going to the BW without my hammock (for just relaxing and for sleeping)

**Darby** · 08-10-2008, 21:44

Originally Posted by mad_angler

Another forum is great for dedicated BWCA topics:
www.bwca.com

I have been into the BW 3 times. I used my hammock extensively the last 2 trips.

You should almost always be able to find trees.

The bug screen is not optional.

I would not consider going to the BW without my hammock (for just relaxing and for sleeping)

Welcome to the forum.

**fin** · 08-10-2008, 22:30

Originally Posted by mad_angler

Another forum is great for dedicated BWCA topics:
www.bwca.com

I have been into the BW 3 times. I used my hammock extensively the last 2 trips.

You should almost always be able to find trees.

The bug screen is not optional.

I would not consider going to the BW without my hammock (for just relaxing and for sleeping)

Welcome to the Forum! Another Wisconsin-ite!

I usually go spring opener and the last week of trout fishing in the fall, and have never had an issue with bugs. Snow, rain and wind, but never bugs.